Validity of Symptoms as Screening Tool for Dry Eye

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the role of symptoms in diagnosing dry eye among those aged 40 years and above, who attended the out patient department of Ophthalmology at Baqai Medical College Karachi.

Material and methods: This study was conducted from April 2001 to December 2002. 100 patients were selected on the basis of symptomatology proforma, consisting six most common symptoms of dry eye such as dryness, grittiness, burning, redness, crusting and sticking of eyelashes. Those patients suffering from any two of these six symptoms were screened and included in the study group. This group was then subjected to three diagnostic tests such as Schirmer’s test, Rose Bengal staining of the ocular surfaces and tear film breakup time. The sensitivity and specificity of these tests was determined for the diagnosis of dry eye.

Result: 52 out of hundred patients were females and 48 were males. The most commonly reported symptoms of burning sensation and redness were present in 70 patients often or all of the time and 30 patients reported these symptoms to be present rarely or sometimes. 200 eyes which were subjected to the diagnostic tests, 168 eyes had positive result and 32 eyes had negative result. Taking Schirmer’s test as the gold standard the sensitivity of Rose Bengal test is 92.85 % and Fluorescein break up time test is 21.42 %.

Conclusion: This study reveals that symptoms assessment plays an important role in diagnosing dry eye syndrome and as the age increases the tear secretion decreases. There is strong correlation between symptoms, Schirmer’s test and Rose Bengal test. The Rose Bengal test is the second important test used for diagnosing dry eye syndrome among those aged above 40 years.